George managed to effectively research the area of study before implementing appropriately formulated and comprehensive lesson plans, all inclusive of VELS requirements. Knowledge of subject matter was evident whilst delivering information verbally and by providing student assistance when asked to provide additional subject knowledge when requested. George taught Year 7 & 8 Materials and Technology. The Year 7 unit involved a Tic Tac Toe Board Game assignment. The Year 8 unit involved Constructing a Straw Bridge assignment. The units contained a topic overview, instructional student sheet, investigative, design, production, and evaluation criteria. All VELS specifications were included in the course structure. He successfully managed to select resources appropriate to the specific needs of a mixed ability classroom. George utilised a multi media approach by combining information technology, video and topic publications with the traditional instructional text approach, therefore providing an engaging, thought provoking lesson format. George’s practical experience in this area provides the additional benefit of expertise knowledge regarding the crucial “hands on” instructional and demonstrative approach. Students enjoy watching George demonstrate the practical aspect in conjunction with learning the theoretical component. Excellent effort.

RELATIONSHIP WITH STUDENTS

George developed an excellent student relationship with all classes. He was approachable and professional in all discussions concerning academic, personal and social matters. He engaged students by providing practical responses to questions raised and inviting further discussion to clarify the subject matter. He offered assistance in a friendly and professional manner. George established a peaceful and nurturing learning environment by enforcing his classroom discipline plan and constantly reminding students of proper classroom behaviour. He did not increase his tone when dealing with troublesome students, preferring to approach the student and discuss the effects of this negative behaviour on the rest of the classroom. Excellent effort.

TEACHING SKILLS AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

George’s classroom management skills were adequate. He was not intimidating and utilised a one to one approach where students were given clear instructions and warning upon classroom behaviour. Students appreciated this approach and he rarely encountered any difficulty concerning student behaviour. George maintained checks concerning student work in relation to completing the assessment task in the classroom. There was an established expectation concerning the quality and the amount of work produced in the classroom. George marked Year 7 and 8 practical / written assessment tasks and returned the work to the students in an informative manner.

George utilised the whiteboard in conjunction with verbal topic explanations and practical “hands on” demonstrations. Lesson plans were provided before each lesson and he was willing to modify or make the necessary additions required for a successful lesson format. George often asked for feedback and I provided a report on areas of improvement. He implemented the teaching suggestions provided and was able to assess and evaluate the benefits in relation to effective teaching strategies. Well done and keep on trying.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES.

George has an enthusiastic, polite and cheerful demeanour. His classroom presence is very good and I am positive his confidence will flourish to a further extent within the remaining teaching rounds. George was always punctual and did not have any absences throughout his teaching rounds.

He completed the student teacher evaluation component attached to every lesson plan in an informative and comprehensive manner. This professional conduct in being able to evaluate from maintaining evidence of written reflection displays a willingness to seek advice and respond positively in order to enhance current teaching methodologies. He attended morning staff briefings, subject faculty and whole school meetings. George’s personal presentation was excellent and it is evident that he values the profession. Well done and keep on trying.

GENERAL COMMENTS

George is friendly and engages students with a variety of teaching strategies. This includes a discussion based format where the opportunity exists for students to clarify any potential areas needing further explanation. George allows for a learning environment where students can exchange opinions whilst discussing key points in the area of study. George’s classroom management skills were effective. He was not intimidating and utilised a one to one approach where students were given clear instructions and warning upon classroom behaviour. Students appreciated this approach and he rarely encountered any difficulty concerning student behaviour. George maintained checks concerning student work in relation to completing the assessment task in the classroom. George marked the students work as the class was completing the practical / written task. There was an established expectation concerning the quality and the amount of work produced in the classroom.

I believe George would be an asset to any educational institution willing to employ a graduate teacher in the near future. I wish him the best of luck for the remaining practicum duration and may he continually strive to better his skills and reap the rewards of a fulfilling teaching career. Excellent practicum results.

RECOMMENDATIONS

George could undertake a professional development course in teaching VCE Materials & Technology in order to improve content delivery whilst satisfying VELS assessment requirements. George’s experience on a practical level is an extremely valuable asset and further professional development will enhance employment opportunities in this popular course. Excellent practicum results.